GoinGlobal USA Mini Cultural Career Guide
The United States of America (USA) is the third-largest country in the world, both in terms of population and area. A multiethnic, multicultural nation, the USA encompasses several regions, each of which has a distinctive identity. Except for native peoples, everyone in the US traces their heritage through immigrants from many nations and/or from forcibly enslaved Africans.
The US economy is one of the largest and most complex in the world, driven by technological advances and a robust private sector. US popular culture has had a significant influence worldwide.
The concept of individualism, that an individual’s goals and interests take precedence over those of the social group or state, remains a core value for many. The national ideal known as ‘The American Dream,’ a belief that anyone who works hard enough will prosper financially and socially, survives.
Communication
Communication in the US is direct, explicit and mostly verbalized. It’s acceptable to deal with conflict openly and directly. Candid comments are not intended to be personal attacks, but are instead directed toward the topic, uncertainty or problem at hand. Nevertheless, the ability to tactfully and directly express opinions and perspectives is highly valued.
Personal relationships are somewhat informal, and socially people will treat one another as relative equals despite differences. In a professional context, people follow their field’s social protocols but remain friendly.
Behavior and etiquette can vary from one region to another. For example, people in the South and Southeast have a reputation for being friendly and extending ‘Southern hospitality,’ while people in the West are known for their casual attitudes. East Coasters typically take a more conservative, formal approach to business and communication. Newcomers would be wise to ask a local for advice.
Networking Online
The following online communities can help newcomers to the USA settle in by connecting them with people who have similar interests or who are fellow foreign visitors.
InterNations
https://www.internations.org/usa-expats
Android, iOS
InterNations helps connect newcomers with locals and other newcomers. The site lists events and offers helpful information to anyone considering a move to the US. Basic registration is free, but additional features require a fee. Once you sign up, you’ll be contacted by the local InterNations’ ambassador, who facilitates events and networking opportunities in your local area.
Meetup
https://www.meetup.com/cities/us/
Android, iOS
Meetup is one of the world’s largest networks of local groups, with each group focusing on a specific interest ranging from English practice to socializing to professional groups. It is active in every state and dozens of communities in the US.
Slack
https://slack.com/
Android, iOS, Windows
Slack is a free online collaboration tool that jobseekers can use to find communities of like-minded individuals. Although originally only a workplace platform, there are now public Slack communities that support almost every interest, lifestyle and profession. An example is RemotelyOne, a community that brings remote workers together to network, swap advice and announce job opportunities. Search for public Slack groups on Slofile.
Interview Advice
US employers seek positive, upbeat and energetic employees with a team-oriented mindset, and expect candidates to be confident and optimistic. Standing up straight, smiling and using good manners will help you make a strong, positive first impression.
Claim credit for your professional accomplishments and achievements, and give examples that display your professional competence. For US employers, such statements show self-confidence.
Never criticize former colleagues or employers; the employer will see that as a reflection of a poor attitude and someone who’s not a good team player.
Career Sites for Graduates and New Professionals
CampusCareerCenter.com
https://campuscareercenter.com/
CampusCareerCenter is part of a network of industry-specific job boards. It specializes in matching employers, such as the Internal Revenue Service, the National Security Administration, Pfizer, Deloitte, Microsoft and General Electric, with students nationwide.
CollegeGrad.com
https://collegegrad.com/
Android, iOS
CollegeGrad serves college students and recent graduates, offering a wide variety of career information about job searches, employer research, salary questions and occupational statistics. It also provides free online access to its best-selling book, College Grad Job Hunter, which contains advice on finding a career path and setting yourself apart from the competition.
Diversity Employers
https://www.diversityemployers.com/
Diversity Employers, a product of The Black Collegian magazine, helps new college graduates find positions with equal opportunity employers committed to workplace diversity. Set up a free account to learn about newly posted opportunities, read job search advice articles and view a list of featured pro-diversity employers.
General Workplace Conduct
Because hard work is so valued by their culture, Americans tend to identify strongly with their professions. Employees who work long, hard hours and outperform their peers are more likely to be promoted and receive other rewards.
Although hierarchies in the US tend to be more egalitarian, CEOs and senior managers can be incredibly influential. They ask for and appreciate the opinions of their subordinates, but they do not necessarily follow office consensus when making decisions.
Independence and self-reliance are highly valued in the workplace. Workers are expected to perform tasks with little supervision, and career advancement is based upon performance and personal achievements.
American workers attempt to create an equal environment by reducing the use of professional titles and often addressing colleagues, even executives, by their first names. Americans enjoy laughter and joking, even at work. Ethnic, racial and religious jokes are not appreciated, but self-deprecating humor is usually well received.
Acting Like a Local
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To fit right in, follow these tips! |
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